Coronavirus: Mural plan for popular Hove park has been updated to include a thank you to the NHS

David Wicken, who is involved in the project, said: “We had hoped to have this completed by summer of this year but

with COVID-19 all plans are on hold. We are though going ahead with the funding appeal and have had the mural design changed to include a

thank you to the NHS.

He went on to explain: “Legend has it that a Victorian circus elephant lies buried beneath the green parkland that is Wish Park. Today, this much loved park is enjoyed by local people of all ages – whether it’s dog walkers, footballers, outdoor gym types, toddlers in the play park or older folk enjoying fresh air and a friendly chat.

“Steve Gledhill who volunteers with much-admired park keeper – Gerald Flanagan – had an amazing idea to brighten up the north west side of the park. Steve’s idea is for a mural to be painted on the side of the electricity sub-station depicting the history and day-to-day use of the park.

Community artist group ‘Creative Angel and Red Herring’ have created an engaging mural design and will undertake the painting work.

“The original mural design has been updated to include a thank you to the NHS for looking after our community at this difficult time. It is the intention for the lower part of the mural to be painted by local children under the supervision of the artist group.

“It is planned to commence preparation work during late summer and autumn 2020 or early summer 2021.

“Much depends of course on the COVID-19 restrictions. Work will also include the planting of insect friendly plants and shrubs around the base area. To do all this will cost around £2,000.

“The previous Crowd Funding appeal for this project closed down due to ill health and a move overseas by the by the organisers. Funds from that appeal have been transferred to this new Funding appeal.

“It would be amazing if people could help bring Steve’s idea to life and so brighten up this corner of Wish Park. They can donate at www.gofundme.com/manage/wish-park-hove-community-mural.”

The picture shows an impression of what the wall mural could look like when it is finished.

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